The Beach
What is the Beach?
It’s a place to go when the stresses of your real life need relieving. Sometimes it is fairly quiet and you might feel like you’re the only one around, but you can leave your ‘footprints’ for others to find later on. Othertimes it is the home for a real party, with constant gossip, leg-pulling, rumour, innuendo, chit-chat and weirdness.
If this were a forum (and it sort of is because we post responses to each other, not just to Eddie, hence our term for ourselves 'Froggers', a combination of forum and blogger) then the beach would be the off-topic area.
It's a tropical location, no matter the time of year it's always warm and pleasant there.
Sunrises and sunsets are spectacular, the evenings balmy. It has a number of different locations; the Nick Clarke waterfront bar; the smokers corner; Fido's Run for the dog-walkers; the Naughty Step and many others.
How do you find your way around? There is no direct answer to the question.
The beach is a moveable feast, literally. It will be renewed by our Lord and master Mr. Edward de Mair each Friday morning. This is because we have found in the past that when the number of posts exceeds about 600 the entire thing becomes unwieldy and unstable. A case of the beach turning to quicksand.
Froggers often leave bottles / glasses / trays of their favourite tipple on the bar for others to sample, not to mention big / small eats.
There is a herd of camels who frequent the sands, which froggers are very fond of. There are sun-loungers, so you can take it easy and catch some rays. Quite often the late-night attendees will have a barbie.
It's a fun place, with only one real rule; Be nice to each other; we are ALL chums here. New Froggers are ALWAYS welcome.
The real debate happens on the other threads. The beach is a place for banter, whimsy, relaxation and friendship, where jarring comments are not particularly welcome. There are certain very mild protocols, which you tend to pick up as you go along. So slip your shoes off, feel the sand between your toes, relax and enjoy yourself.
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Ah, a lovely clean, new beach which sadly I will not see much of over the next few days.
So for what may be my last visit for a while here are some things I've prepared while getting ready for a big family party tomorrow. Various salads and quiches in the fridge for lunch (unless you'd like them now of course) a cheesecake with peaches and chocolate sauce, a nameless pudding of mergingue, marshmallows, raspberries and cream, lots of nibbles and of course the champers!
A.
xx
Hahaha Mr Noodle! What a wonderful *moist* strapline!
What was that someone said on another thread about not hiding behind pseudonyms - I really must stop using autofill and then forgetting to change it :-)
Well, the Beach appeared - unlike postings made yesterday.
What IS going on here at the moment?
Marc, Marc, where are you?
(Eddie: If Marc is building sandcastles somewhere, perhaps you could take up the cudgel - and beat it over somebody's head? The Blog is thoroughly bogged down again. Thanks!)
new beach.......must be Friday!
coffee and muffins on the bar..I'm off to try my new kite.
Stewart M...re v small Speedos...
..they weren't mine either IMiWC reckons that Man in White Coat is the true owner!
DIY
PS. kite flies really well in this light breeze!
Ed I;
Running on from your last comment on the former Beach. There is no ecological cost to keeping the Beach in whatever condition you wish.
Since there are no clouds in the sky there is endless solar power. The efficiency of all electrical equipment mysteriously exceeds 100%, so that more power is generated than is consumed. The excess is sold back to the National Grid for a profit, which helps to keep the bar stocked.
You've forgotten that it exists outside of time. The normal laws of science are suspended. Strange things happen.
Everyone should have a Beach somewhere in their life.
Si.
Hi Si: Just to use the opportunity of the Beach to say, I did reply to you yesterday - but it hasn't appeared, over 12 hours later. But, basically, it was along the lines of no real disagreement between us on the SA issues, I understand what you were saying about the inequalities there at present, and also thanking you for your defence of me against the troll.
What I posted was, I think, a bit more eloquent, but I've a busy day ahead and must get on.
Have a lovely day, everyone!
Morning all - am going to hide here. Life is getting very strange and I appear to have acquired a transatlantic stalker (long story, but met him backpacking in Oz in 2000 and parted on not the best of terms; last night he phones. From California. Why??)
Tea anyone?
BigSis;
I'd defend you and the rest against fools like that every day and twice on Sundays. No thanks were required.
Since you're busy I'll leave this wonderful cafetiere of Blue Mountain coffee for you to drink later, with this assortment of biscuits to dunk.
Si.
nice kite DIY, but can I suggest that you...
...and it will go higher.
IMiWC
I was having a stroll down the far end of the beach early this morning when I found an old bottle. When I picked it up and rubbed the sand off it a spirit came out and said, "You look tense. Would you like a good back rub?"
"Well, actually," I said, "I'm pretty well broke. I wish you would give me a million pounds instead."
"I can't do that, but I can give you a back rub."
"Aren't genies supposed to grant wishes?"
"I'm not a genie. Does that look like an oil lamp? And you call what you did rubbing it? I'll show you what a real rub is!"
"If you're not a genie, what are you?"
"Haven't you ever heard of a massage in a bottle?"
IMiWC (11)
thanks, unwinding the string does make it fly higher and higher.....who said you couldn't teach old dogs new tricks!
DIY (woof)
Morning all! Lovely fresh Beach I see, and breakfast to boot! Yum.
Gillian (from last Beach) - I'm sure you can get more than waffles and pancakes right. Stop hiding behind that dune and come and have a chat.
Fifi - I'll see if I can spare the time to prepare something special later, it's been a busy week back in August. Any requests? Any requests relating to food? Any requests for what food you would like to eat? (Stoppit!)
Now, where's that coffee got to?
;o) []
Advance news. The radio times tells us we are getting a visit from sequin next friday. Eric is off to do any Questions again.
DIy speedos fly well in this light breeze too!
I'm getting my parafoil out. Last time I flew it on a real beach I snapped a string. It did an impressive set of loops before plummeting down.
Not a specially cheerful message but I thought people ought to know.
The silence from 18th until yesterday was because I had a fairly major stroke on Sunday 19th, out of the blue, and managed to end up in a hospital a hundred plus miles from home unable to speak or move for several hours, followed by the creeping weakness.
Things weren't helped by my giving them, with great authority, the wrong date of birth, wrong town of residence, wrong GP and address, and my mother's maiden name!
It's sorted out now, and I have escaped with only ten large bruises caused by IV lines, a near-failure of kidneys caused by treatment for meningitis before they worked out what was actually wrong, a UTI, and thrush. At the end of five days, I figured that if I wanted to survive I had better get away before it was too late.
It'll take a while before I am back to speed, because I am sleeping about fifteen hours a day, but as far as I can tell the only ill-effect apart from that still with me is that my trapesius muscle *hates* me for making it stay still for six days and is giving me gyp all night on both sides.
Did someone mention massage in a bottle? Want, please! After that, if you trip over me asleep in the dunes pay no attention, I shall be catching up on the sleep for a while.
*yawn*
SM (16)
....I thought that was a strange kite.
And re parafoil, you must realise that on THIS beach it would fly perfectly even if it has no strings and there is no breeze!!
DIY
Blimey Mr Fish! Sorry to hear all of that, but glad you are recovering well. Hope things continue to improve!
Mr. Piscinius, Esq.;
I thought you'd taken a holiday.
When you do things you don't do them by halves, do you?
Best wishes for a speedy return to fully fledged frogging funky frolicking. (Oh no, I'm suffering from Onomatapoeia (?sp?), I hope it's not infectious).
Meanwhile, try a little of this exquisite Napoleon cognac, direct from a small viticulteur/eleveur between the town itself and Barbezieux.
Guaranteed to relax you and lower your blood pressure, which can't be a bad thing.
Get well and soon.
Si.
SP - if the bottle one doesn't do the trick I'll volunteer myself! Big, gentle, frugs and wishing you a speedy recovery xx
SP - if the bottle one doesn't do the trick I'll volunteer myself! Big, gentle, frugs and wishing you a speedy recovery xx
Hi Eddie and Co:
I was going to suggest the M*A*S*H sig tune "Suicide is Painless", but that's too too cynical even for PM.
How about the new Pakistani anti terrorism No 1 YEH HUM NAHEEN "THIS IS NOT US" at
It's very inspiring in this day and age.
Love and peace.
Am I in some type of warp or is the blog going backwards and forwards in time?
Fishy Chris, so sorry to hear of your troubles. Do hope you are soon fully recovered.
{{{{{frugs}}}}
A.
xx
SP (17)
Try the Bishops Finger....I have left a couple bottles in the fridge just for you.
Frugs, get well soon and look after yourself.
DIY
seems witchi has hiccups again...cos she keeps repeating herself!
BOO.............
.................has that stopped them?
DIY
Collected muscles on the beach in the river estuary.
A quart exactly.
All good to eat. Delicious.
Woke up with pain in stomach. Thought 'Well, I know where the hospital is!'
Next thing I knew it was this morning. No ill effects at all. Must have been lying awkwardly (as the politician didn't say to the PM interviewer)
So muscles for all tonight. 3 minutes in a big saucepan over a beach fire.
I was camping. Finally noticed my ridge pole tent is now three generations out of date.
Frame tents, (jousting tents at the medieval lists) have come and gone since it first nestled on a hillside under starry skies.
And igloo tents and caterpillar sausage tents (sleeping bags with attitude).
Now tundras are everywhere. Huge. Like a cross between San Sophia, a giant chrysallis and a Mongolian yak skin home. (Corrections to all spellin' and teminological inexactitudes gratefully accepted)
(Such tents available at 49.99 in Walsall apparently. Can't say where of course, and no doubt available everywhere at comparable prices).
PS I have seen the future (really I saw it last year but ti didn't register) and it is crowded.
A tent on the roof of a 4X4 with a long silver laddder up to it. No guys to the ground. (Pun). All ties to the roof of the 4X4.
They're for when there's standing room only on the planet and the best a holiday maker can hope for is a slot on a car park within walking distance of the sea, with 4X4s in row after row (pun) cheek by jowl as far as the eye can see. g
Selkius Piscinus, I'd like to add my welcome back thoughts to those of the rest :-) Good to hear you're on the mend.
Um Si? Onomatopoeia is when the word is indicative of a sound (e.g. BOOM). I think what you were meaning was alliteration.
((((((Chris Ghoti))))))
I'd like to add my good wishes for a speedy recovery. Be very patient and very kind to yourself.
Wonko (14) Thank you....could you please rustle something up with the mussells perpetual student kindly brought here?
Perpetual student....I hope that's what you meant!
Here's a tub full of Scottish Langoustines to go with them. Nothing too garlicky, mind, Wonko!
Selkius .. gosh you do lead an eventful life don't you! I trust you'll take things gently, give in to the need for renewing sleep, and avail yourself of Witchi's wonderful massages.
Witchi .. oh dear, how creepy and peculiar! You must have been more fondly remembered than you realise. My instinct would be to run for the hills! ... but I hope you'll let us (or at least me!) know if anything else occurs.
Big Sis .. you've been trolled? Eek, I missed that. Glad to see that between you and your knight in Si-ning armour you have dealt with it. Often it seems it's the witnesses who are more upset than the victims! I felt rather picked-on on another thread yesterday but decided avoidance was the right response; what a wimp!
Fifi xxx
Mr Fish - may I add to the ground swell of sincere good wishes for your continued recovery!
Right, I've found some time to prepare dinner. The menu for tonight is as follows:
To begin -
Seared scallops in a brandy sauce with pan fried button mushrooms;
Chilled cream of tomato and basil soup with garlic and rosmary foccacia;
Fresh pasta ham and cheese ravioli in a cream and black pepper sauce.
Followed by -
Choice of lemon and lime, or blackcurrant sorbet
Main courses -
Grilled fillet of plaice with a lemon and sea mint cream sauce, served with saute potatoes and mushy peas;
Tomato, wild mushroom and sweet pepper risotto with fresh gnocchi;
Pan fried Highland beef sirloin steak strips with a red wine and garlic gravy, served with duchess potatoes, wilted spinach and julienne carrots in herb butter.
To finish -
Chocolate and wild strawberry creme brulee
Lime and mandarin cheesecake with homemade vanilla ice cream
Plum and armagnac crumble with creme anglaise.
Tea or Coffee served with petite fours
Orders and table reservations please...
;o) []
Gillian & perpetual student - so sorry, didn't see your offerings before I set tonight's menu.
As a special for you how about I just steam the mussels and serve them on a bed of watercress with a side dish of tartar sauce? Tell you what, I'll do my famous grilled langostines with lime and chilli?
;o) []
Gillian & perpetual student - so sorry, didn't see your offerings before I set tonight's menu.
As a special for you how about I just steam the mussels and serve them on a bed of watercress? Tell you what, I'll do my famous grilled langostines with lime and chilli?
;o) []
The Beach blog refreshed is like when tide cleans the sand and all garbage left by people are washed.
Today I finished the wonderfull book ON CHESIL BEACH by Ian McEwan. Now I can recommend.
Spring's coming here with the annual windy season. Good for sailing. I'm boarding a 26 feet sailing boat ready to go. Who's coming? We'll spend a couple of hours offshore.
Good weekend
Guima
Wow, Wonko.....my mouth is watering. That sounds soooo good.
All the fish dishes for me, please (but may I have the plaice without the sauce?)
And I'm going to be awkward again....plum crumble with the ice cream, please?
You are a star! There's a bottle of your favourite tipple on the bar.
Best wishes, Selkius Piscinus, to you!
Are you typing with both hands?!!?!
ta GM!!
Great Idea, Si - 'lets do the time-warp again!'
a step to the right...!
Gillian - certainly! Order noted, reservation made. Would you care to look at the wine list?
;o) []
(or was it left?!)
gosh!
Breaking news!
Good news....Sean Bean is to appear nude in his next film!!!!
Bad news......he's filming in the Arctic, where the temperature was -40C :o(
He had to be protected from hungry polar bears....
Guima (35) : I love boat trips! But tonight I have to host an acoustic music night at the pub.
Will you still be able to pick me up from the wharf at 23:00 GMT? I'll have my guitar with me....
Fifi
Sure Fifi ( 40 )
When you hear the wistle blowing, be rady to come abord. We usualy return by sunset, but this trip will go through night.
We will see the noctiluca's light.
Anybody else?
Guima
Wonko - you're an artist - tell me more of this sea mint cream sauce of which you speak....
Selkius P-
Best wishes from me too.
Mollyxx
Wahey! The BBQ's now official! Great! That means I haven't got to lug it from beach to beach - or ask n-n to drag the fuel across (since it will presumably be supplied ready-to-go).
* Wanders over and takes a look *
It even comes complete with as many different types of burger, sausage and bread roll as you can name - just needs a decent bowlful of salad and some onions...
7:30's a bit early to start cooking on it, so I'll relax and have a drink whilst I wait for some company. Cheers!
Selkius (17): a fairly major stroke
Ouch! Do get well soon.
mittfh (45): speakin' as an intrinsically incendiary beast, I'm quite happy to provide any requisite grilling, frying, broiling... well, you get the idea.
Selkius (17): coo. Hope you're all recovered and stuff soon. Have some aspirin. (Oh, hang on, new laws. "I have a packet of aspirin here, and if you should happen to ask me for some I will give it to you, but I cannot offer you any.")
Fifi (31): shouldn't that be "knight in sinning amour"?
Bless you all!
Sleep is good. What a wonderful comfortable hammock. :-)
Yup, it's both hands, And five days ago I scored 402 at Scrabble so I don't think it can be too bad. I was simply out of it for about a day, then in emergency back-up mode for a couple of days, and now I'm sleepy a lot of the time. It's passing, and I am confident I'll be fine just as soon as the back-muscles stop making a stupid fuss.
Wonko, please may I have a half-size helping of the first part of the wonderful dinner, the bit with the scallops, and then about five strips of beef with the trimmings, and then about four spoonfuls of chocolate and wild strawberry creme brulee? I'm not terribly hungry but that sounds far too good to miss! The most dreadful thing in the hospital was the food, even though they tried really hard, and your catering is
YUM!
yumyumyumyumyum.
I just do feel like being pampered for a day or two.
Peej - it's dead simple, the name is the ingredients basically. It doesn't have to be sea mint, any garden mint variety will do. Just chop a handful of leaves coarsely and stir into single cream. This is best done well before serving to allow the flavours to infuse. You can also add fennel and parsley. Before serving gently warm the cream but don't let it boil or curdle, you're just warming it through. Add a table spoon or two of warm water (you don't want it too thick), a squeeze of lemon and some fresh ground black pepper - just a touch mind. It very cooling and fresh and should work as a nice counterpoint to strong flavours.
Cheers Wonko - I may give that a go back in August - no hang on it'll be September won't it? In fact I may steal some of the rest of your menu too. I know you'll be shocked to hear this but some of my family feel that spending time on the blog is just a teensy bit sad. Of course the chief mockers are the pair who spend their lives logged onto Bebo. We'll see if scallops a la Wonko wil change their minds!
Wonko (50) How about making a raita? Your mint, my thick natural yoghurt and chopped cucumber?
Guima(42) Wait for me, please! May I bring a Sea Breeze cocktail with me?
Peej (51) Good luck....I have to say, my lot were won over by Big Sister's chilli recipe. The way to their hearts is definitely through their stomachs :o)
Chris Fish - all the best for your recovery.
miffth (45), you may have missed this, but the BBQ kit is, like the Nick Clarke Bar, part of the Beach moved every week; Like the "Jug and Bottle" and the "Saloon", all parts of the same building.
Due to the M4 this evening, I ended up missing PM entirely, so only caught the precis at 16:30. By the time I got home, was a desperate for a draught of the hippocrene. (sp)...
Despite my advice, we've taken on a job for HMGovernment, which I think we've taken on only as assusement value for colleague, as opposed to the orderbook (worth 10x this order for Sept) we've already got. Grief!! Sorry to sound off, I had to do so somewhere...
I'm exploring beyond the dunes before I hit a hammock...
((((((((Chris Ghoti)))))))) from me as well. It sounds scary! Hope you are really well soon!
God Bless
xxx
ed
FFred;
Alliteration masquerading as Ono-wotsit.
It's worse than I thought!
Si.
I need a negroni. (I often do when I've had a rant.)
Perhaps we should all have one. Perhaps Selkius Piscinus should have two ...
I make mine like this:
1 measure gin
1 measure Campari
2 measures red vermouth
ice
slice of orange
Mmmm ... nice
Sid
Mr Fish - reduced portions as requested!
Gillian - a raita it is. Actually it's what gave me the inspiration in the first place. I figured if a creamy thick yoghurt and mint works, why not cream?
Peej - hope the recipes work for you!
Fishy Chris {{{{Get well soon!}}}} xx
Is that fifi & Guima sailing off over there? And what's that flying form the top of the mast? Could it be......a pair of....speedos???
Guima, Gillian ... I think I missed the boat!
:o(
Nobody's disturbed the sand for half an hour, the Cransley's deserted, and SO retreated back to the Sick Bed as soon as I was out the door tonight. (He is currently watching some schlock-horror thing on TV so I'm enjoying Reading Festival downstairs while having something to eat.)
Tonight's music night was one of the best ever, if you listen to the licensees and the regular attenders ... I have rarely enjoyed one less! Suspect not feeling 100% is affecting my temper.
We weren't overrun with hoorays after all, but there were plenty of OTHER annoying people... still, as long as the rest of 'em had a good time, that's the whole point eh?
Fifi
Alas, Gossip (58) : I was tardy in returning from the acoustic night and totally missed the boat. That must be Gillian out there ... and I'm quite sure Guima doesn't wear Speedos. He looks more of a Boxers man to me, don't you think?
One more swig of this cab shiraz before bed folks. Hold out your glass.............!
Fifi
Guima, Gillian ... I think I missed the boat!
:,o(
Nobody's disturbed the sand for half an hour, the Cransley's deserted, and SO retreated back to the Sick Bed as soon as I was out the door tonight. (He is currently watching some schlock-horror thing on TV so I'm enjoying Reading Festival downstairs while having something to eat.)
Tonight's music night was one of the best ever, if you listen to the licensees and the regular attenders ... I have rarely enjoyed one less! Suspect not feeling 100% is affecting my tolerance levels.
We weren't overrun with hoorays after all, but there were plenty of OTHER annoying people... nobody but me seemed to be feeling annoyed mind you ... still, as long as the rest of 'em had a good time, that's the whole point eh?
Rather nice shiraz cabernet here, purchased from nearby village shop as town is in accessible due to 4x4s with horseboxes but apparently not indicators or wing mirrors.
Fifi
The boat's name is WILLYWAW, wich is a patagonian wind. She's 26 feet, white fiber glass. The name is writen in dark blue letters. 4 beds, small kitchen, bathroom. Inside the cabin we have a central table and a navigation unit, with radio. The sails are white too. The capitain and owner is my brother.
For those who missed the naviation, there will be others soon. The noctiluca's lights were just amazing tonight. The wind was mild.
Willywaw, my brother and I, we are real and sail in this sea too.
By the way, I wear Havaianas in the beach. Heard they are expensive in Europe.
Guima
Fifi, in my book you never miss the boat. You are the Dream Boat!
Beach reading, watch this space
..and this one two
Hey, hey, Chris Ghoti, I wrote you this song
Wanna see you back, well and strong
You're the man for me
With perfect clarity
You'll be running marathons before too long.
Glad you're back and up and about on THE beach.
This glorious sunny sand stretch is a treat and a half after four days in misty mountains in deepest Wales.
Laver breads for one and all and salt mutton as well for us carnivores.
PS I'm too late a comer to fathom what PUSH is about, but the Welsh for lavatory is TOILED (I think - so it said on the door! :-(( worried look)).
Grumble Alert : Burghley Horse Trials is the pits!
1. You can't get into town because of traffic queues every which where
2. Even though we're ALL stuck, it's every 4x4 for himself out there
3. It takes me a minimum of 15 minutes to get on to the road at all, ineither direction
Why are big events allowed to create such havoc, every single year, for the transport system and local residents?
(Oh don't answer that. I KNOW!!)
Grrrrrrrrr.
Fifi
'Mounting a soap box near you soon'
er fifi, um, why not get on your horse?!
yup, I'll be over there.
n-n
xx
A white horse trotted into a pub and asked for a whiskey. The barman said "Certainly Sir, which one would you like? We've got Bushmills, Bell's, Teachers', Famous Grouse and we've even got one named after you."
"What, Eric?" said the white horse.
Fifi (61) well he certainly wasn't wearing them.... (I wondered if they were DIY's) although I see he has an alternative preference.
What are Havaianas Guima? Can you post a picture in to the blog of you with your boat (which sounds bigger than my house!!)
I see I haven't missed much - Fishy on the mend, amazing food, and RJD telling listed jokes. Now I have to go and buy all those small essentials I left in hotel in Oxford ready to go to London tomorrow.Could someone (Guima?) explain what havaianias are. I'm staying near Horrids, and can take orders if they are to be regulation sailing gear.?.
STOP PRESS : Burghley traffic mayhem extends to Oakham and beyond!
1. Not waiting your turn at roundabouts
2. Stopping at roundabouts to spread map over steering wheel
3. Parking on double yellows
4. Right turns with no indicators
5. .. and no looking either!
I was feeling quite a bit better today. However I think I shall spend the rest of the week under a duvet somewhere.
.... ah, my favourite hammock is free! (nearly typed favourite haddock)
SO has just returned from official opening of a local Scout HQ he's been artichoking. Lottery people couldn't come but they sent balloons and teeshirts instead! Alas, he brought home a Lottery Fund teeshirt too small for him, too big for me, and no balloons.
Time for more cold cure, fresh hankies, and feet up, I think.
Fifi xx
Aunt ( 69 )
You can see havaianas in my name link or :
www.havaianas.com
They are the best.
Fifi: Think motorcycle.
Gima
Aunt Dahlia! - Where have you been for goodness sake? Val P and I were talking about you this morning and wondering if you had been kidnapped and taken to an adjoining island. And just for the record, my jokes are indeed listed, just as I am - being officially designated as being of historical importance.
Havaianas, by the way, are supposedly the world's best flip-flops!
Chris Fish - {{{{{{getwellfrug}}}}}}. So shocked to hear your news from Kippenbod this morning and I haven't been able to get here sooner. I am wishing you well, and sending you Recovery Vibes. Stainless Steel Cat can testify that my Vibes are quite strong, as quite apart from the new hairstyle my Electrical Vibes gave him on Monday, they did the trick with the City & Guilds ;0}
RJD - World's Best Flipflops? Surely some kind of oxymoron going on in that phrase?
Aunt D - wow, spooky! I was just explaining, somewhat laboriously and not at all with the required panache, to aforementioned KB yesterday, all about Lady C and the Hice of Lords. Perhaps you might have a quiet moment to give us a quick update as I know you have your ways of communing with her?
Fifi - Grrrr, I'm with you on the 4 x 4s! Bad enough in cities though I'm sure they are, I agree they are driven equally badly in the country. The lanes which pass for B roads around these parts are invariably cluttered with the things " Ideal " I hear you cry - ah but, yes but no but. The sillybillies (other descriptive words are available but I've given them up for Lent) who drive them seem cheerfully oblivious to the fact that, being, largely, off road vehicles, they are ideally place to be the ones who scrunch over on to the rough at the side of the road while I in my lowbottomed (shock absorbers needing replaced, due to potholes caused by,,oh you're ahead of me) Punto can remain on terra almost firma (potholes aside). But no, indeed very no - they don't want to get mud splashes, bramble scratches etc and show themselves up when they drop off Araminta and Claudio at the local primary school ("it's really te-erribly good, and so good for them to mix")**
**Actual quote, names changed to protect the guilty ;o}
Grrrrrr.
Guima - so what makes a flip flop so extra special?
Val P - Am with you all the way on the 4x4's. My niece spotted a R**ge R*v*r (Other highly-polluting bully-boy cars are available, unfortunately) in Devon where certain letters had been removed from the logo on the back, making it read:
Ran over
How apt!
It's lovely out here ... think I'll pour me a nice generous glass of this Ozzie shiraz-mataro and settle back for another hammock-hour.
RJD and Guima, since you're here, why don't you just pass those glasses over and have some too? It's yummy, and perfect for a sunny(ish) Saturday afternoon.
Fifi xx
Val, you are as much in need of this red wine as anybody! Here you go....
* glurp! glurp! glurp! *
Cheers lassie!
Fifi xx
PS anyone else around who fancies partaking? there's plenty more!
PPS and why, tell me, has the PM calendar stuck on August??
* hic! *
fIfI
(oops)
Mmmm, thanks for that Fifi, that's girded my loins strongly enough to traipse in to Tesburysons and do the Big Shop. Hmmm, I typed big ship there, which reminds me, has anyone seen Guima and crew since last night - d'you think he's swept them all back to South Amerikky? It's certainly purdy quiet on the beach this afternoon?
Annnn vatsh anuvvah fing Val.....
Eric is recording AQ in Stamford on Friday 7th ... and I didn't find out till long after the tickets had all gone!
Bit of a missed opportunity there, to say the least!
(Huge sigh of relief from Eric, realising he's got away with it this time...)
Havvah nuvvah glash, Valllllllll. Shopzull keep!
* over-reaches towards shiraz supply *
* slumps gracelessly (disgracefully?) out of hammock *
* arrives in slow motion on soft sand beneath *
zzzz....... zzzz....... zzz....
iFFi
Couldn't help overhearing dear Fifi's tirade about missing Any Questions on Friday.
So while she's dribbling and grunting under that hammock, I have borrowed her mobile to ring the Arts Centre and put the silly puss down on the waiting list for returns.
She's only TOP OF THE LIST!
I just hope she forgets it's also the birthday of the Food And Litter King Of The House ('FALKOTH' to his friends) that day, and doesn't arrange anything else for that evening, or I'm mewed!
Prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr....................
DTC
anybody hear the Saturday play this afternoon with Peter Donaldson playing a British secret agent? It was priceless !! worth dipping into Listen Again for.
Fifi - Sorry I can't take any wine until later on. I have to drive this monstrous 4x4 across town to pick up Anastasia and Charlton after their uniform fitting.
havaianana
Is that what you get if you cross Hawaihi with a banana?
Unbeliveabilly, round these parts we've got a woman selling topless flip flops - apparently they just stick to your feet!
peej - heard it and giggled!
Are you alright there feefs? Actually you do look comfortable, even if it is a little unconventional! - I've got another bottle, your's seems a little low.....
....and you've drunk most of your wine too!
n-n
x
Mmm, n-n (83) : You know how to treat a girl dontcha! Thanks for sitting me upright again before you handed it to me.
RJD (82) : Oh dear, you seem to have got sugar in your darling little fuel tank. However could that have happened? Never mind, let me polish up your nice shiny bodywork with this strangely rough-feeling cloth ... must be impregnated with some sort of cleaning agent.
Daisy T Cat is looking very smug. And staring at the mobile, even though the phone isn't vibrating (which she mistakes for purring).
SO has revived sufficiently to add the required extra toppings to a shop bought pizza .. Jella would be proud of him!
Fifi
Guima (71) Wow! What a fantastic web-site! I can't wear flip-flops, but it's worth looking at just for the Artwork.
Thank you for a fabulous trip last night. Is the boat going out again tonight? If we can't rouse Fifi, we'll just roll her up in her hammock and stow her on board. I'm sure the sea breeze will wake her up.
Hum, hope Fifi sobers up a bit before next Friday, otherwise AQ might get a burst of the frogger's song [note to venue, don't let anyone carry in a guitar, or a harp, come to that], or perhaps Eddie will have to be smuggled in and out of the venue.
A new terror in standing in on Any Questions - could be ambushed by a frogger at any time ;0)
Burghley Horse Trials update. 3 found guilty.
Fifi - What dreadfil news about you, Eddie, and AQ.
How did they spell his name in the Stamford Mercury??
Now surely Mr Meyer :-) can pull some plugs and get you in?
Nice thought Jonnie (87) ... but I wouldn't dream of imposing.
Oh, and we don't call it the Stamford Mockery for nothing!
Fifi ;o)
Oh EDDIE - are you listening? Go on, go on, go on, pull a string or two can't you? Put Feefs on the stage door list, or whatever the technical term is. Honestly, she won't stalk you or anything, she'll just make a really good studio audience member. After all, which clever little pixie did all the hard type co-ordinating stuff so that you could send us all our Pointless Birthday Cards? If you want something done, ask a really busy woman of course - and she deserves to be entertained for a change, doesn't she now?
No! - It ain't never gonna happen - I've left orders.
Oh, ya think, Dimbleby....?
Prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
DTC
Oh, ya think, Dimbleby....?
Prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
DTC
Nightieeeeeeeeeeeeenight!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fifi xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Ok - Who agrees with Jonathan?
Louis - I'm sorry, It's a No!
Sharon - Yeah! - It's also a No!
Simon - Sorry Fifi, that's four Nos!
Jonathan Dimbleby - not good enough! it's not even going to be your programme, you're obviously off on a jolly somewhere, so if we are allowing Eddie to be your (watch your back) stand-in, then I jolly well think that at least one VIP local person should be allowed an entrance ticket, I'm sure you agree?
Daisy T Cat - Keep up the good work.
RJD (82)(although not, obviously, cos I've met you) - I meant to say it's OK uniforms not required at local primary, one just needs to be keen to jump on to the PTA or even Board of Governors....
Cynical, moi?
So I watched a certain dancing competition on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ ONE tonight. For most of it, I had my head buried in mortgage KFI documents, but from the bits I saw it seemed as though all the dancers were of a high standard. Then came the results - some surprises, but as with it's sister competition, there was a lot of "Vote for your neighbour" going on. Unsurprisingly we were 2nd from bottom - but at least some countries were kind enough to give us some points, which is more than can be said of Switzerland. What have the Swiss done to annoy their neighbours so much?
My only criticism: someone *please* teach Len and Bruno how to commentate before next year - they never seemed sure whether they were allowed to speak or not, and frequently stopped mid-sentence to head back to Graham (or should I say Gray ham, as some broadcasting reps called him?!).
There's Fifi safely back in her hammock.
But whats this?
Is there a hammock there at all? Isn't she in a delightful state of suspension 5 foot off the ground, lying horizontally on thin warm air with a pleased smile on her face, :-), enjoying the perfect flying dream.
She keeps afloat between the palm trees supported by bubbles of gas from dozens of champagne bottles on the sand beneath her and by thoughts in her head and smiles on her face lighter than air itself.
Sweet dreams Feef.
Wow - sweet dreams indeed Fi. I think I'll just jump into the normal kind of hammock though, not had enough bubbly tonight!
mittfh - well researched, but it's ok you can let it all wash over you now. It was just a dream. All will be well, don't let it get you too involved ;o}
Isn't Len Goodman a marvellous character.
Get in the Tardis, travel back 5 - 6 years and tell him how things are for him now.
He would have said 'Get out of here' Bob Hoskins style and tried to get you locked up.
I bet he says a quiet prayer of thanks every night.
He never betrays it but he must be thinking a lot of the time 'I'd better not pinch myself I might wake up and find I'm back judging a ladies' excuse me at the local Top Rank' or whatever.
He is developing real dignity. Have you seen him dance? I saw him demonstrating something or another to Claudia Winkleman (dance steps I mean). He dances like an ocean liner. Its a grand sight.
Hey, Val P, the very sweetest of dreams to you too.
If anyone has difficulty sleeping why not count marathon runners as they pad endlessly and silently through the hot Osaka streets.
morning peeps..out of circulation yesterday so no quality beach time. had to go to Londinium and work in a bookshop in Curzon Street! Up side was I had lunch in the park!
any way off for a spot of body boarding so will catch up later...coffee and Full English's on the bar...
DIY
its not really that malicious is it?
DIWyman, the blog is broke! As yours was the last entry I can see, I'm obliged to blame you....fancy making it work at that time on a Sunday morning! :o)
P.S. Thanks for breakfast....it will keep me going all day.
cooo eeee!!!
I'm over here - no, further, yeeeeees!!! Can you see me?!!?!
waves
I'm just going to spring over to that rock, hang on a mo -
- ah. yes. well.
- errrrrrrrrm,
- any ideas, *now* ?!?!
Right. This might take some time. The back of my (well actually DIY's spare) speedos has got caught on a snag, as you can see.
No, really, I'll just hang around.... doesn't hurt a bit. no honestly. can hardly feel them at all.
ow.
Fifi - just stamp *STAFF* in red across the front of your ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ postcard, laminate it, wear it on a shoelace around yer neck and just waltz into the venue. Or doctor the writing on the back til it says Pleez let Feeefs in bcoz she's a fantastic Frogger Love Eddiex I'm sure they'll go for it!
Ah hello N-N! Waving cheerily across the beach!
H-e-l-l-o!! *waves furiously*
And doing a flying superman impression by the look of it! I wonder if he's intending to land on that camel.....
Anybody want to help me in September to update all these internal QA audit reports that I should have done over the past 6 months, in time for tomorrow's external audit?
No? - I thought not. I'll be back later for a very, very big tincture!
Mr Noodle - Bet you couldn't do that again! ... .. Oh really? ..... OK! ...... Well, better rest then......
GMX - (whisper) I couldn't understand a word Mr Noodle said. I'm sure his voice didn't used to be that high-pitched!
RJD (105) : You've made a fine dent in that pile of paperwork!
I'll split what's left with you, so you can advance the more quickly to that promised and well deserved tincture.
n-n... *averts eyes demurely* ... my Blue Peter badge and I have knocked-up a fresh pair of Speedos using a washing up liquid bottle and some sticky-backed plastic.
Please be very careful to get them the right way round, otherwise the sticky side.... oh dear.
There there, Nikki. It'll grow back.. eventually.
Fifi
someone has soiled my spare pair of Speedos....naming no names but I bet NN had something to do with them.........tis going to take ages to get those stains out!
Giilian.....breakfast will cost u £1.16....as that is wot I have to pay local post mistress for a 'package' I have to collect in the morn....wot is it with you lot..........never heard of postage stamps?
DIY
Goodness what a sporting weekend I've had.
26 miles plus of marathon running.
Negotiating the 4 thick short planks with Land Rover written on them at Burleigh
Over to Munich to join the rowers watching the famous lake side cyclists doing their formation pedalling thing.
Keeping up with them is such hard work. They should award us medals for the most determined efforts.
And when my rowers oars weren't in the water and out of the rowlocks, I was worrying about my baton passers as they did it hand to hand. What excitement as Christine passed it to Marilyn, then Lee really got hold of it and slippped it to Nicola who brought it home so fast my eyes watered.
As if all that wasn't enough I had to spend Saturday night in a 4X4 roof tent in a traffic jam outside Oakham. That just shows you. 'Horseshoes for luck ' is strictly horse.
Then finally the tri events. I thought the bi events were pretty stetching but this is... well I just didn't know there was a Third Way as well!!
And different for men and women too.
Glad to get back to the cosy familiarities of the beach with its delightful old fashioned ways.
I'm just making sure I don't get too much sand in it 'cos it can be very irritating when you give your buttie a good chew if you have.
My cat appears to have learned how to frog. And signing herself off as me.
That's worrying. What else has she been getting up to, I wonder?
Fifi
Hmmm. My cat appears to have learned how to frog. And is impersonating me.
What else has she been getting up to, I wonder? Anyway -
*stretches luxuriously*
What the -----------?
*Falls out of invisible hammock*
Owwww!
*Lands on champagne bottles*
Blimey. That's odd.
Fifi
Golly, Mac, you have been a busy boy haven't you!
Tell you what .. you rub this analgesic cream into my bruises, and in return I'll whip up a nice warming broth to put the life back in your bones.
...... no, dear, THAT wasn't bruised at all......
Oi, you lot! Off to the naughty step the lotta you! My left knee was completely unscathed. What on earth were YOU all thinking?
;o)
Fifi
Well RJD (106) paddy was only saying on the radio this morning that there'a a shortage of choir boys!
N-n do you need the physio with his magic sponge?
While watching the Fellowship of the Ring (again), the bit where Saruman is spawning Orcs in a great pit at Isengard, SO has just commented:
"The first moral of this story is: never build your forge in a flood plain..."
Fifi
He adds:
"And the baddies can go faster...
...because they're on wraith-horses!"
Fifi
Fifi (112)
Honestly- drop by feeling all 'sundayish' and end up THERE!
No, Fifi- won't go....!
(Jolly funny, though!)
Mollyxx
Not you, Molly....? Really, I thought better of you!
Hee hee.
Fifi ;oD
Feefs, I have put most of your champers bottles in the recycle bin..its now full..but they will send a skip round first thing to get the rest........you have been busy haven't you?
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
DIY (and the bubbles go right up my node!)
*whispers*
thanks peeps!! and thanks Daisy the cat!! yes please GM, although I dont think I'll be crossing my legs all week...
*limping*
I'll be over here; honestly, its just my eyes watering, I'll be fine, no, honestly!!
n-OO-n
Well, Nikki (119), whatever possessed you to try that stunt in the first place? Don't you know that's why Speedos should always be worn on the head?
Fifi
It as come to my hattention that huntrained persons ave been hincorrectly usin Speedos on this ere Beach.
In the habsence of the City n Guilds blokey, I ave no hoption but to stick this SPEEDOS MUST NOT BE WORN sticker on the haforementioned garment huntil further notice.
You're lucky I don't hissue you with a ticket, that's hall I'm sayin.
E Safety, Esq
In the RW,
Just listening to EM give a Radio 4 appeal for "Vet Aid" which is a charity which has an aim concerning camels. There were changes to the usual formula of these appeals, but after the usual addresses, (normally the final word) we got:
"I gather camel's milk toffee is delicious"
I cannot help but think that the froggers should have been alerted, given the camels just behind the current dunes...
Hi, just a quick wave to tell you I've been to see our beautiful and talented Annasee playing her harp at Darley Park. Photos on the flickery page...look for Gillianian. Thank goodness her lovely SO had a spare umbrella!
DIWyman, I'm so very sorry....an enquiry has been set up to apportion the blame. It wisnae me!
ELFIN, what can we wear if the speedos are banned?
Must remember not to ignore the beach for two days. Takes too long to catch up.
Been to a baptism up north today. After the bun fight we needed to get home cos school starts tomorrow. So remember to set off a few minutes earlier back in September to avoid the 4X4's on teh school run.
My three year old starts school nursery tomorrow. God help them is what my good lady says. And she is a teacher!
DeepJohn (122): Thank goodness I don't have a sweet tooth!
* faints *
Fifi
Oh no, they're all at it now!
(sigh)
Fifiheeheehee
I give up.
Fifi ;o)
Deepthought - well I'm sure one of our resident beach chefs could make us some camels' milk toffee. Wonko?
Gillian, is there a link for the flick-challenged among us??
Fifi
I do a wicked Treacle toffee. Also Cinder toffee. I'm sure I can improvise with camels milk to make some toffee
Stewart ( 124 )
Wear Havaianas.
www.havaianas.com
Good week for ALL
Guima
Not asking for sympathy -- but to Guima, who sent me a pic of his doggie to be put up on the site, and to the other regulars that I know here.... we have suffered a mini flood from a room above. It seems the waste outlet from a shower directly above - became un-attached - hence our living quarters have been flooded.
Basically water streaming through the ceiling at various points over everything including the dog!
We will have to claim on insurance! -- bit of a cricis.
:-( see you all soonish
Sorry for that, Jonnie. We had a leak of water in our house some time ago. Damaged walls and framed pictures we had. Terrible.
Guima
morning peeps, i have a day off from RL in September today so am going to have some quality time with my towel...will be behind the sand dune with the rose bush on top if anyone wants a chat....in the mean time Java and Columbian, toast and assorted marmalades on the bar....sorry, forgot the napkins
DIY
Fifi (112)
Honestly- drop by feeling all 'sundayish' and end up THERE!
No, Fifi- won't go....!
(Jolly funny, though!)
Mollyxx
Deepjohn (122)
Rather you than me- that chap over there doesn't look too keen either!
I'm off......!
Jonnie-
poor you- we had one once- awful! It does dry out qquickly, though and you do get some nice new 'decor' all paid for!
Ellfin S (121)
Tee-hee-heeeee!
mollyxx
Mollyxx
GM ! I've left you a message at the end of the "Diana" thread. A spooky coincidence...
Morning all!
DiW - theres something about coffee, toast and marmalade that just make the tsate buds sing! Thanks.
Jonnie - hope it gets sorted soon and hope its not too much of a mess. Frugs to you all (including the dog!) x
Jonnie - by coincidence we had a friend drop round the other day who had been exiled from his home as the same thing had happened. Only in their case it was the bath wastepipe, leaking gently for ages, into the chipboard & hardboard underneath the carpet. Because they are in a bungalow they never got the "water from above" effect, so by the time they realised, there was a disaster underfoot. New bathroom being fitted as I write, & they were in a B&B for a few days.
I hope things get sorted out quickly for you both.
Gillian - great to see you yesterday. The fireworks were incredibly loud, even with ear plugs. Wise choice to leave early. I think some people would have been there for hours trying to get out after the concert.
If we ever needed proof of the national problem with alcohol, it was plain to see in some of those people at the front, wasn't it? The ones who were swaying gently - & kept swaying when the music stopped, I noticed.
Can you do a link to your fliker page? I can't find your pics & think my mum might like "that" one!
And now it's sunny. How ironical.
Fifi (129) This is ME you're talking to! :o) I've only just learned how to put my photos on the page. FFred and Humph will give me tutorials on how to make a link, I'm sure.
*flutters eye-lashes*
In the meantime, I'll send you an invitation asap.
Jonnie, sorry to hear about your leak. I hope it hasn't affected business.
Well, another w/e disappeared in a flash :( Anyone mind if I take a mug of thiis coffee and settle in a hammock 'til the sun is over the yardarm?
Oh, dear! I slept the whole night through!
What's that? The old bath bun?
I haven't seen that for fifteen years manand boy!
And before-lunch beach walkers. First time I've ever seen anyone sober on this beach.
Don't tell me someone is planning to go for a awim?
Oh no, looks like they're retrieving a pair of wahed up Speedos lost during the excesses of the night party.
Goodness, I hope they fit!
So this is day time eh? Well, nice.
Morning Froggers!
Busy, busy weekend back in September, so I could do with some quality Beach time today.
Is that toast? And coffee? Don't mind if I do.
;o) []
I can now see the headlines in the Daily Echo....
JONNIE HAS A LEAK...
......a local world reknown hotelier today awoke to....blah......it is reported that Rupert is safe although a little upset.......blah.....and Simons dolls house is also reported to have been saved from the flood of 2007......an investigation by a local 'plumber' has revealed that "It was an accident waiting to happen".....DI Wyman (£45.88 / hour + VAT) says "Them cowboys have a lot to answer for...." as lept astride his trusty steed and headed back to Norfolk!!
LOL
Wonko - the scallops were a stunning success at the weekend. I took the liberty of adding some nicely crisped pancetta to the button mushrooms. Thanks for the inspiration. Looking forward to Wonko's recipe corner this week again.
Peej - Glad to hear the scallops were a success! Adding the pancetta was a good idea, I may have to borrow that back. ;o)
I'll see what I can do for this week..
;o) []
I too have a bathroom leak. Must be the in thing this week!
This one is at the edge of the shower door. Its dribbled between the edge of the bath and wall. So I have a very damp wall and floor. (behid tiles) Plaster falling off beind tiles. Wood been damp for so long its going to need a bit putting in. Arrgh!. I want to try and mend it without taking most of the bathroom out. Hopefully removing 2 of the floor tiles and 4 of the wall tiles will take things back far enough to patch up but I think I'll need a man in.
Can i have those speedos back?
eric, I concur eating Vim not a good idea but its been re-named.
cif and vigour does not have the same ring to it!
Stewart (149) : I would never buy a product named after a sexually transmitted disease, whether for cleaning OR eating purposes!
Where do they get these marketing people from??
Fifi
Stewart M (148) - The solution to your problem is easy - stop showering! A small price to pay for dry walls and floor. And as a happy consequence you will find out who your real friends are.
Stewart M (149) - For vim and vigour use cif and zest.
Fifi what STD is Cif? or for that matter vim?
surely "vim and vigour" is one for Ms Coren and her Balderdash program.
Now this is getting annoying! I've twice posted here to give the link for Gillian's photos, as well as a guide on how to find the link for Gillian, and both times they seem to have been blocked! Please, Mods, I'm not trying to spam the site. I'm just trying to help my fellow froggers!
Okay, in an effor to get this through, I shall do it as two separate posts. First, is the link for Gillian's photos of Annasee (Including the one Eddie's Frogged already).
Now, for those wanting a link for all of Gillian's photos, the link is .
As a service to my fellow froggers who may be playing around with the flickering place, here's how to find out the link for your photos/individual sets, etc. After you've logged in, navigate to the view that you want people to see. If you want to send a link to people to show them all your photos, go to the Your Photos page (the title at the top should be a bit of a giveaway!). The web address that's in your browser is the link that you should send. If you just want a single photo, go to that photo, and send that link. If you've got the photos separated out into sets (useful if you've got a number of photos on the site) click on the link for that set, and, hey presto*, that's the link you should send.
I hope this helps my fellow froggers!
*First time I typed this, it came out as pesto. hmmm, maybe italian for the beach tonight. Any takers?
Goodness what a funny thing a DAY on the beach seems!
'Course I've SEEN daytime before. They have it quite lot on TV.
But 14 hours of it non stop! Fantastic!
As I say I have seen it before. Even worked in it. But it were long long ago.
Then I were a mere strip of a lad. A life saver by trade then, when I were young and fit and strong.
Though precious few on the beach went into the water even in them days.
What did they call themselves? Teddy boys it were. They were frightened the salt water would ruin the velvet on their jackets.
Then them beatniks. Well I never saw them really. They were alseep all day and partying all night. But they didn't go in the water either. It was said if they ever took their shoes off they'd never get 'em back on again.
The last lot I were young enough to guard, were them there mods and rockers. All bouffant hair and leather gear. They never went in the water never neither. Too busy fighting, polishing their leathers and back combing their hair.
One young mod woman did go in I remember but a wave caught her and her beehive looked like a cow had sat on it.
Now this lot here! The first day-time life I've seen on the beach since 1963 or there abouts.
Lets cast an eye over this 'ere beach party crew and I'll see what I makes of 'em.
Chris Fish - I was very sorry to hear your news, but so pleased that you are recovering nicely. All the best for the forthcoming weeks and if you need a giant frug, then I'm here!
Today is my first 'trial' day back at work today. Hmm.
Stewart (152) : I may be wrong but I thought cif was the short name for the one that ISN'T 'gone in yer ear'.
Mentioned in Portnoy's Complaint, although that again is hearsay...
Fifi ;o)
Thank you Ffred. *mwah!* I knew I could count on you!
Thank you, moderators!
FF (155)
....to continue the Italian theme......loadsa spag bol!...on the bar....and my home made Garlic bread.....enjoy
PS...also bowl of XXXX strong mints so that RL wont complain about breath...!!
oh no, jonnie, 132, I am sorry to hear that - it sort of unsettles the whole household when something on that scale happens.
Best wishes nik
fifi,158 DoH! of course. Mind obviously not working properly.
fifi,158 DoH! of course. Mind obviously not working properly.
...hmm,
and while I am here on the beach, may I set loose a small multi-coloured butterfly, which, hopefully, by merely beating its wings, will send out good vibrations and positive vibes into the real September, all of which might somehow arrive, Big Sister for you (( ))!!
(157) How did it go, Belinda?!!
n-n
xx
Mmm just got and installed copy of Open Office. Wow another excuse to stop using orifice software. As its open source it runs on any platform so if I start playing with Linux more I can read files easily.
Cocoa anyone?
Thank you all for your concern - The leak was actually my fault! in a roundabout way.
The shower tray was slow to drain - so I used a strange device for unblocking drains. You punp it up with air and then poition it over the drain - (they provide various diameters of rubber sealing) and pull the trigger.
Well I did all that yesterday morning and a quick check revealed that all was ok.
However - it had in fact blown apart, a rubber pushfit plastic connector in the outlet pipe. Hence when the guests started showering the problem revealed itself.
So the assessors visit tomorrow to survey the damage - unfortunately the telly also received a direct hit -
Lovely to see the pictures of Anna playing the harp and Mittfh's lovely postcard.
Morning all - bloggage already (and the blog STILL isn't remembering me).
Sorry if I duplicate anything but have started up teh coffee machine for all those in need of lattes/cappuccinos etc I am qute fond of steamed milk and honey.
Also thick fresh soda bread for toasting and some muffins too.
Fifi - transatlantic stalker has hit again! Amazingly eloquent if slightly freaky email. Am just hoping he doesn't turn up on my doorstep (he did drive from Alice Springs to Darwin to see me when he was supposed to be heading East; bit of a detour!)
Actually just typing that has made me feel funny...
Belinda - how was your day? And how are you doing?
Jonnie - you won't believe it, but when I told SO yesterday about your problem with the shower he said wisely
"Of course that's the trouble with these push fit connections these days. I guess if he'd used a plunger that could have just blown it apart"
Now how spooky is that! I fear he will be "satisfied" (wrong word but you know what I mean) to have diagnosed the fault at a distance.
Ah well, Jonnie, that's what you get for using flash gadgets! Hope that things dry out quickly, though. I remember what it was like for my parents when they had a similar leak in the shower causing water to run down the light fitting in the bedroom once. Here, have a relaxing decaff to soothe things :)
Belinda, I hope the first day back wasn't too stressful :) I remember when my sister went back to work after chemo that she found it tiring, but hgetting back to a normal routine made her feel as if things were getting back to normal again...
Still, times-a-wastin' back in September. in honour of the early blog days, I'm doing a sweetshop run later on this afternoon. Who wants what?
FF a sherbert Fountain and some Opal Fruits please Some Spangles would also be nice.
Should I join you at the 1977 sweet shop?
Fearless Fred - I'm assuming that the sweetshop is as accommodating as the Beach and will have anything that we want. If that is the case then I would like a bag of Rileys Chocolate Toffee Rolls.
Ooo a sweetieshop run! May I have a curlywurly please?
For me : dark chocolat.
After dinner, as dessert, dark chocolat with the wine that is still in your glass. Cabernet Sauvignon.
Willywaw is anchored and I'm working on it. Be prepared to a boat trip soon.
Guima
Just a quick visit to the Beach as it took me two and three quarter hours to get into work today in September (thank you very much RMT). Last night I ended up walking three and a half miles through London to get to a mainline station I could get home from. I tried a bus, but three went passed my stop without opening their doors as they were already full to bursting. I dare say I shall experience a similar situation tonight.
As a result I am suffering a distinct sense of humour shortfall today and my blood pressure must be off the scale. I nearly clocked a couple of tourists while I was out getting some lunch, which is most unlike me. Grrrrrrr :o(
It would appear that many others are also experiencing various problems, trials and tribulations in September. So, I offer this general purpose, one size fits all, use as appropriate to your situation frug:
{{{{{{{{Insert Your Name Here}}}}}}}
Right, I'm back off to do battle in September...
;o) []
PS I'd love a crispy bar and a bag of licorice allsorts, ta Fred!
Given that anything that happens is here is lovely and has no connotations in the outside world....Caramac please.
FF - Could you send Jonnie some Walnut Whips, please?
Ffred - Buttered Brazils for me, please. (Oooops, no offence Guima! They're Brazil nuts, coated in hard butterscotch.)
sherbert fizz and some sweetie cigarettes for me please.
okay, I'm leaving for the sweetshop now. look for the goodies (no, NOT Tim Brooke-Taylor, Graeme Garden, and Bill Oddie) to be on the NCMB in about 30 minutes or so...
Right, all the requested goods are on the bar, labelled for their respective recipient. I've also bought a pile off assorted confectionary items (as well as savoury snacks for those as want 'em). They're in the tub, safely sealed away in case the camels get any funny ideas.
Enjoy, everyone!
FF - you are a gem x
Fearless (181) : You even remembered our savoury sistren! Thank you.
* mwah! *
I could just do with a cocktail sausage and a bowl of salsa flavoured tortilla chips....
Fifi
Cheers FFred, just what I needed today!
Pimms O'Clock everyone!
;o) []
Hello Fred and Witchi,
First day back: Lasted three hours before putting my head down on the desk. It IS tiring. I found it tiring before chemo, and now it is just magnified by rather a large factor.
Today: Lasted 5 hours but needed plenty of tea rests and biscuits.
I think I may work part-time for a while, or at least work from home until back to full-speed. I don't know how you people do it every day :)
and can I have some Jelly Beans please?
Wonko (184) Would you please give a large Pimms to Annasee's SO - he was responsible for today's Sound of Summer. I merely submitted it. He recorded it at the same concert in which Annasee was performing.
Well done, that man!
I'm making popcorn. Plain, Salted and Sweet.
pop..........pop......pop.pop.poppopopopopopopopopoppoppoppoppoppoppp...pop.pop.......pop
Ow my tooth!. Theres always a few unpopped in the bottom of the pan!
Am not going to assume I am the first as invariably there is a breakfast surge when I post (that sounded icky) but I will just rearrange the loungers and plump the cushions. Kettles on ready for post swim cuppa - anyone want to join in!
Belinda - good for you at having a go but do be kind to yourself honey xx
Well, the journey in today was easier, though I still had to walk last night. Feeling rather broken and in need of some hammock time today.
Sausage sandwich anyone?
;o) []
Thanks Wonko......sausage sandwiches....are you a mind reader?
Have left some of Colman,s finest English mustard to go with them.
DIY
Bloggage?
P
U
S
H
&
SHOVE......
Excuse me Mr Wonko would you please remove your feet from that other sun lounger. I'll also need your name and the address of your hammock. You're up before the moderators in the morning my lad. Wouldn't like to be in your flip flops when they've done with you.
Belinda (185) : When I worked for other people, I always found it hard going back after a holiday, or after being off with flu.
So, I think you need not be too hard on yourself after what you've been through!
Part time sounds like an excellent compromise. When you start feeling frustrated that you can't get enough done in the time available ... that's when you're ready.
Fifi xxx
Yes please Wonko - any pork & apple?
Belinda - I hope your work colleagues are looking after you and making you cups of tea?x
Err... I don't wear flip flops... :o$
The magic of The Beach is that all kinds of sausage are available!
Excuse me, I've got some serious dozing to do...
;o) []
flip......flip.......flip........flip........flip...
I am hopping 'cos the sand is really hot and I have lost my flop....!
Anyway, iced tea and biscuits on the bar for afternoon nibbles....
DIY
Thanks for the iced tea, DIWyman, just what I need to cool me down after a few hours with my mother. I love her to bits, but sometimes........!
Grrrrrrrrr!
Goodness me, I fell asleep on the job again last night.
This daylight is getting addictive but I don't know how these youngsters can stand the heat of the day.
That game they're all playing, reminds me of them there South Sea islanders I saw when I was tramping a coal bucket around the Pacific. Their islands formed a perfect circle in deep blue waters. Each island passed on gifts to the next. The next year they pass stuff round the other way.
In fact its just like that here! Wonko got a stale saussage back today, Fifi was nibbling broken biscuits and crushed crisps and so many people were handing back half sucked sweets. All gratefully received. It makes for better bonding.
Well, they b'ain't be getting none of my barley sugars, sucked or unsucked. I need 'em, every one, to keep body and soul together.
There's that there RAF Hercules going across the beach overhead. I'd make it a sound of the summer but 'tis more like a dreadful all the year round noise.
Oh, give me the peace and quiet solitude of the long reaches of the night. People say I should join that there them touchie feelie generation but these days I'm too touchy and my finger nails is sharp.
Can I just collapse in a heap over in the curve of the bay?
Training days Monday and Tuesday where my head was filled with more information than, well, a thing with lots of information in it.
Woke at 2am Monday, unable to get back to sleep. 1:30am Tuesday and unable to get back to sleep. 1am this morning I'm awake again looking at the clock. I roll over and look again and oh my God it's now 7am and I have to be out in half an hour and I need to make some lunch and shave and shower and...
Today sped past at an alarming speed with moments of slow motion - like not knowing what to do when little Johnnie* refused to accompany me on his 10 minute time out in another class after trying the patience of the teacher several times too often.
Collect daughter from after-school club and I realise that's what I need. An after-school club I can go to where someone pampers me for an hour or so, feeds me nice food and lets me sleep. I believe in some ancient cultures they were called "homes" and men had "wives" which sorted this. I can see why it never lasted.
*Names have been changed to protect the irritants.
This will be a long holiday for me. Tomorrow I'll travel to the interior to my dad in law's home. 420 km from here.
There we'll eat churrasco ( barbecue ), pasta and home made sweets. For drink lots of wine.
Friday is our national, independence day.
Google Jaguari and you'll find me.
Does anyone know whats CAIPIRINHA? If you want, I can explain later. It's the best drink when you are in the beach. Famous worldwide. Taste it? It's served.
Guima
I'll be back sunday.
There there, Jason (200) ...
Lie back in this hammock, and accept an ice cold beer to keep you going.
* strokes fevered brow *
Now close your eyes, and listen to the sound of the distant surf, while I rustle up a few light snacks to keep you going till Wonko's fired up the barbie for tonight's shin dig.
* strokes some more *
Let me know when the beer's finished and I'll bring you another...
* stroke stroke *
(sounds of gentle snoring from hammock)
Fifi
one day, I shall tell you all a Great Secret!
n-n
Guima (201) Thank you....that's lovely! Hope you have a good journey, and enjoy the holiday. See you soon ;o)
Why not today NN? (203)
Yes n-n (203) : now! now! now! now!
* marches in tiny circle with placard *
Fifi ;o)
Hello! How are you all? I've only been gone about 10 days but it's far too much too catch up on blog-wise. Anyone feel like doing me a precis?
Mr Noodle (203), I echo Eric (205)!
Hello everyone........remember me?? It's been a long time since my last visit. We were away for 5 weeks in our camper van which on the whole was brilliant. We headed down the Atlantic coast of France which we absolutely loved - some stunning beaches. Then we headed into Spain, cut across to the Med side, back up in France and across country and back up north. The kids loved it and SO and I had some much needed quality time together (as indeed we did as a family). Arrived back about a week and a half ago and had a rather busy time getting my son ready for start of term and preparing for my son and daughter's joint birthday party last Saturday! Sadly its now time to get back to reality and have my first interview for a contract role tomorrow (yikes!), but the upside of that is that I may get more of a chance to frog again!
Well I hope all is well with you all. We brought back rather a lot of wine so have left a selection of white and red on the bar for you all to share.
Have fun!
Fiona x
Just been watching a documentary about Freddie Mercury on Freeview. I'm feeling all choked up - he was one of my all time musical heroes. Could somebody pour me a brandy and give me a hug?
I've found an old box I'd put at the back of my kitchen cupboard.
3 bottles of brandy, one of rum, one of that greek aniseed stuff (like anise but not so nice), one of whisky with herbs and honey, one of cherry brandy, one of gin, 4 of rioja and one with the label washed off that looks lethal.
They all got washed up or left on the beach at some time or another. I put a notice up about them once. 'bottles of spirit found'
You'd be staggered how many peopel have lost full bottles of booze. I got hundreds of replies.
There was nearly a riot outside my tumbledown. The police dispersed 'em and told me to keep the booze.
So I did.
Time to divest i think. So I'll set up a freebie bar and give it away. TONIGHT
If I can keep awake!!!
There you go Big Sis. ((((hug))))
Welcome home Fiona!
Mr Noodle tell us IMMEDIATELY!
Oh Appy, thank you so much! and lovely to see your loveliness again.
Just been watching Eddie on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ4 - he was lovely too.
Fiona (208) - Welcome back. 5 weeks away? - I'm very jealous. What were the best places that you visited?
My messages of care and affection for Phish and Belinda seem to have gone astray as well as my comments on the excellent Open Office.
Oh well.....
Starry starry night, Milky Way delight. Brilliant Book of the week!
One last Liffey,,,Night all.
xx
ed
Oi just don't know whats come over me! Oi just can't get to sleep these days and can't stay awake at night!
My world is upside down, Oi've turned day into day and night into night and that would never do.
Oi think Oi'll chew this twist of baccy. It takes away the the smells of they there crisps these youngsters have these days. Oi saw one packet it was extract of bovril on burnt toast flavour. Though Oi think any other destructive distillate of cow would have done.
They there young couple over there told me their roasted peanuts are hoof and horn flavoured.
How can they eat that? Oi'll have swig of the Southern Comfort that Oi kept back from last night's freebie. Ah, chewing tobacco and rye, that's a real flavour.
Oi see one of the in crowd has a secret that all the others want to be told. But then it wouldn't be no secret no more them would it?
Oi see one of the others is back from travelling through Napoleon's army's pine forests. Oi'll see if they brought back any turpentine to clean my brushes with. Then Oi'll repaint the name on the side of my old boat.
Glad they're back safe and sound from France. All them stories of nitrogen poissoning and murder frightened Oi.
Did Oi ever tell ye about my old mate Drummond, in MI5 he were, and in Resistance too? Didn't Oi?
Oi thought I did...
Well it were like this........
3 hours later
Well, that worked. That story were so boring Oi dropped off in the middle of the telling of it.
Where were Oi? Oh. yeah, y'see.......
Welcome back Aperitif and Fiona. Hope you have both come back refreshed, recharged and ready to go!
n-n, you are a tease..... ;o)
eek - 502'd so slightly shorty version...(and this is attempt 5!! has that gremlin gone?)
Fiona - welcome back! It sounds like you had a great time - really pleased for you that it went well! Good luck with the interview xx
Jason - hope today is better x
Blue Mountain on the bar and am getting the constitute parts together for bacon sarnies...spreads, sauces etc all out as I know it gets a little complicated! Think we are all agreed on thick white bread though? (Vege version available too!)
eek - 502'd so slightly shorty version...
Fiona - welcome back! It sounds like you had a great time - really pleased for you that it went well! Good luck with the interview xx
Jason - hope today is better x
Blue Mountain on the bar and am getting the constitute parts together for bacon sarnies...spreads, sauces etc all out as I know it gets a little complicated! Think we are all agreed on thick white bread though? (Vege version available too!)
eek - 502'd so slightly shorty version...
Fiona - welcome back! It sounds like you had a great time - really pleased for you that it went well! Good luck with the interview xx
Jason - hope today is better x
Blue Mountain on the bar and am getting the constitute parts together for bacon sarnies...spreads, sauces etc all out as I know it gets a little complicated! Think we are all agreed on thick white bread though? (Vege version available too!)
G'day all!
Welcome back Fiona and Apertif! Jason and Big Sis, have a frug on me...
{{{{{ @ }}}}}
Guima, have a fantastic trip, see you when you get back.
Right, brunch time: Fried potatoes, onions, baked beans and smoky bacon pieces with scrambled egg and toast.
Tea and coffee on the side.
Dig in.
;o) []
PS Nikki - I think you should spill the beans!
n-n (203)
re Greatest Secret of all Time...
...come on, we are practically bursting with anticipation!!
DIY
attempt 4, perhaps the 502 gremlin has gone for a tea break
Fiona - welcome back! It sounds like you had a great time - really pleased for you that it went well! Good luck with the interview xx
Jason - hope today is better x
Blue Mountain on the bar and am getting the constitute parts together for bacon sarnies...spreads, sauces etc all out as I know it gets a little complicated! Think we are all agreed on thick white bread though? (Vege version available too!)
Oi just don't know whats come over me! Oi just can't get to sleep these days and can't stay awake at night!
My world is upside down, Oi've turned day into day and night into night and that would never do.
Oi think Oi'll chew this twist of baccy. It takes away the the smells of they there crisps these youngsters have these days. Oi saw one packet it was extract of bovril on burnt toast flavour. Though Oi think any other destructive distillate of cow would have done.
They there young couple over there told me their roasted peanuts are hoof and horn flavoured.
How can they eat that? Oi'll have swig of the Southern Comfort that Oi kept back from last night's freebie. Ah, chewing tobacco and rye, that's a real flavour.
Oi see one of the in crowd has a secret that all the others want to be told. But then it wouldn't be no secret no more them would it?
Oi see one of the others is back from traveling through Napoleon's army's pine forests. Oi'll see if they brought back any turpentine to clean my brushes with. Then Oi'll repaint the name on the side of my old boat.
Glad they're back safe and sound from France. All them stories of nitrogen poissoning and murder frightened Oi.
Did Oi ever tell ye about my old mate Drummond, in MI5 he were, and in Resistance too? Didn't Oi?
Oi thought I did...
Well it were like this........
3 hours later
Well, that worked. That story were so boring Oi dropped off in the middle of the telling of it.
Where were Oi? Oh. yeah, y'see.......
N-N-
Tease!! Bet you say that to all the froggers....
Fiona-
Sounds great! Photos?
Mollyxx
n-n (203)
re Greatest Secret of all Time...
...come on, we are practically bursting with anticipation!!
DIY
G'day all!
Welcome back Fiona and Apertif! Jason and Big Sis, have a frug on me...
{{{{{ @ }}}}}
Guima, have a fantastic trip, see you when you get back.
Right, brunch time: Fried potatoes, onions, baked beans and smoky bacon pieces with scrambled egg and toast.
Tea and coffee on the side.
Dig in.
;o) []
PS Nikki - I think you should spill the beans!
witchi (223)
....as i fight my way through the 502 forest, beating back the DOS gremlins.....can i just say thick white fine but can I PLEASE have butter as well?
Mrs DIY (always thinking of my waistline) never lets me have it (butter) at home.....thanks in mouth drooling anticipation!
DIY
Sorry about all that...why do posts appear if you're told that the service isn't working?
....right after witchi's bacon sarnies and wonko's brunch i need a kip!!
....wake me for tea and biscuits at three please!
DiW - any particular biccies?
Oi reckon me and Witchiwoman are suffering in the same way.
Oi never sent all that lot twice and Oi bet Witchiwoman never said all that 5 times.
Still, some Things are worth repeating, like what Witchiwoman says and
'Things
Like a walk in the park
Things
Like a kiss in the dark
Things
Like a sail boat ride
What about the night we cried
Things
Like a lovers' vow
Things
That we don't do now
Just Oi thinking of the Things Oi used to do'
Oi think that's right but Oi can't find the sheet music anywhere or the Bobby Davro 78 rpm record Oi had of it. Probably a flower pot long since.
Any particular tea?
;o) []
Wonko - has to be twin*ings Everyday. Perfect for dunking. (Other teas are available, but still remain unsuitable for dunking).
mmmm....three o'clock..tea time...oh hello witchi....'Jammy Dodgers' please
oh and Wonko....Rooibos please.
also, can we use the bone china today?
DIY
how on earth can Jammy Dodgers and Redbush tea be malicious....
Right, tea-time!
Large pots of Everyday and Rooibos tea, in the bone china as requested.
Selection of biscuits on the bar at Nick's
;o) []
never dunk your jammy dodgers in hot tea, unless you like jammy tea
mugs please, poured with a strainer, with bone china you have to crook my little finger and wiggle it
two lumps please
last one to gulp it down does the washing up
Welcome back to the beach fiona. Did you get to the EuroD place? (other theme parks are available)
hmmm seems I must've had sand in my ears earlier. I swear I didn't hear any of this conversation when I was here earlier....
Any chance of an Orange, Mango, & Cinnamon fruit tea for me? I'm cutting the caffeine way down at the mo...
Wonko - lovely!
Have brought along tim-tams, aussie bisc a bit like penguins but better. Bite of diagonal corners, slurp tea through it and quickly shovel in before it disintegrates.
Very unlady like but lovely!
I tried to crook mac's little finger and wiggle it, but that seems to have been malicious.
I think I will just lie in a nice hammock and do my best to recover from the experience.
The best biscuits to dunk in tea ought to be rich tea, but they always seem to come to pieces.
mac (237)
re the dunking of Jammy Dodgers..
one does not completely submerge the afore mentioned biscuit.....just dip it in, have a nibble, then dip it in again, have another nibble and so on all the way round you will end up with bright red sweetie!
ff (238)
re caffine.....and there i was thinking that you bouncing off of the walls was a new kind of exercise!
Certainly FFred, coming up... I think you were in a hammock at the time.
mac - the magic of The Beach is that there never is any washing up. ;o) Besides, I prefer to sip, thanks.
;o) []
DIY you've taken the jammy dodginess out of Jammy Dodgers.
I salute you with unsticky, unchocy fingers.
Frankfurter sandwiches in all honour and tribute to you
re biscuits for dunking and general nibbling, perhaps we could all have a day trip to:-
might be fun to get hold of the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ charabang for a couple of days?
DIY
Today was fairly great - thanks for the wishes Witchi and for the stroking Fifi.
I even got given a piece of chocolate cake today courtesy of the oldest girl in the class having her birthday.
I've managed to learn most of the naughtiest children's names. But I am uncertain where that last apostrophe should go.
Comedy moment of the day. Songs in the hall. Overhead Projector displaying the song words. Two monitors at the front. Song starts with the chorus and fills a whole transparency so the monitors have to move the sheet up and down so we can all see the words. Each time it is moved it is both wonky and missing the top line so part way through it gets very deliberately moved. Perhaps you had to be there. Or perhaps I have gone mad.
Anyone seen my camel?
mac (244)
no problemo my biscuit eating fellow Frogger...always glad to assist newcomers to the Noble Art Of Tea Dunking.
DIY (now you all a keep on a dunkin, you hear)
...because (205) this place is usually such a haven of goodness and laughter!!
And anyway, here is a virtual beach where I can climb into a hammock or go for a stroll, a swim or a walk along the coast!!
A place where even I can do the conga. And anyway, it's not the greatest secret of all time, it's just a personal thing!
Oh well, while this beach may be washed away in a few hours to be replaced with a fresh sandy one, p'raps I will:
you see, in the real place, my electric wheelchair has arrived; I dont want to be dictated by that fact. I am stubbornly being me, and trying hard to be myself, at a slightly lower height! Only some people seem to see the set of wheels first: ["I haven't changed!" I shout!!]!. So, I decided to leave it off the beach; cos here I can still play frisbee!!
I think a dance on the beach tonight might be the *very* thing, who's got the music, or shall we do it all 'live'!!...would anyone care to join me?!!!??!??! Or at least, share in a crate (or two) of bubbly [other potions are etc]...!!
n-n
xx
Why can't I find a house I like????
Good on yer Mr Noodle! Glad to hear you stubbornly being yourself. Fancy a tango?
Nicky,
Good on you! (to the minder) "Does he take sugar?"
Seriously, I recommend you try and find an opportunity to have a go on a quad bike. It's the bee's knees, and I will insist on one if I ever come to need a mobility aid.
If you should by any chance be in my locale this weekend, I'll give you a go on my neighbour's one because, yet again I'm to be entrusted with the onerous duty of riding all over his scenic acres counting livestock....Actually, he's got two of 'em, so we can each have one.
Remind me not to offer to arm-wrestle you for pints.
xx
ed
mmmmmm....morning peeps, not sure how long this beach will be here, but here goes...
Java & Columbian coffees and dunkin doughnuts on the bar......i'm off for a swim...
DIY